Wednesday, Oct. 17 San Francisco to Santa Cruz 85 miles 4,586 ft of climb

I have to admit, I was dreading getting out of San Francisco. It was quite hilly and the cue sheet was confusing with lots of turns (4 pages worth!), so I expected the same getting out on an 85 mile day.  As it turned out, it was much easier and simpler getting out, not quite as hilly it seemed.  (I think I was expecting the worst!)

It only took 8 miles to get out of the city (vs 20 to get in), where we were on the 'Great Highway.'  We rode into Daly City, a community of houses that were small and very close together on a big hill overlooking the ocean.  It reminded me of the old song, "Little Boxes" (on the hillside, little boxes made of ticky-tacky...)  But they did have a great view!

Once we passed Daly City, the hills became less steep, and followed the coast.  Mike and I were riding together to midway, and then a spoke broke on her back wheel.  After waiting for Jean to drive back to us, I went on by myself.  Later I had a flat, which took first myself and then Jean and Mike a total of 40 minutes to get the wheel back on!

I went on by myself to the end, glad to have done the 85 miles!